Sullivan Man Is Rescued From Bridge

A 20-year-old Sullivan man was taken to Missouri Baptist Hospital on Wednesday afternoon for evaluation after he was the focus of an incident that had taken place earlier in the day at the Elmont Road overpass of Interstate 44.

Sullivan police would not release the name of the man, but stated that responding officers recognized him from previous encounters.

According to information from the department, Sullivan police were dispatched to the Elmont Road overpass at about 1:20 p.m. after an individual called to advise that a man was on the outside of the 10-foot black iron protective fence of the overpass.

The man was about 30 feet off the ground.

When the first officer arrived, he notified dispatch of the situation and requested emergency responders. The officer then began speaking to the man in an attempt to calm him. Published reports stated the man was distraught.

The officer also requested backup law enforcement.

Using diversionary tactics, police were able to quickly grab the man’s arms and secure him to the fence. Published reports stated he was handcuffed.

Additional law enforcement arrived and assisted in securing the man to prevent him from falling or jumping off the bridge.

Also responding to assist were Sullivan Fire Department, Missouri Baptist Ambulance and city of Sullivan Electric Department crews.

From the I-44 South Service Road below, an officer was lifted in the bucket of an electric truck to the man and was able to safely bring him to the ground.

No injuries were reported during the incident, which lasted slightly over an hour.

The man later was taken to Missouri Baptist.

Information from Sullivan police stated nothing about whether any charges may be filed.